Category Archives: history

You may realize that Pryor and its surrounding areas have a fascinating and unique history. But did you know the Pryor Public Library has a rich history all its own?

The earliest beginnings of a library in Pryor start in 1914 With the I.O.O.F. (International Organization of Odd Fellows) and their female ancillary organization, the Rebekahs. The Rebekahs spearheaded a project to provide a free library, which was housed within the I.O.O.F. Lodge.

Going forward a few years, the Pryor Busy Bee Home Demonstration Club also organized a free library project to service the citizens of Pryor. Starting in the early 1930s, the library was shuffled around to a few different locations including a couple of downtown shops. At one point the library was lodged within the home of a Busy Bees Club member!

In 1938 enough support was garnered within the community to start a public library on an institutional level. The City of Pryor voted and approved a levy in its budget for a real, bonafide public library. The Pryor Public Library became a real thing!

PHOTO: Graham Community Building. Thompson Studio. 1946.

PHOTO: Bookmark from the Pryor Public Library, circa 1947

You may have an idea about how the rest of this story goes: for a while, the Pryor Public Library could be found on the second floor of City Hall. In September 1939 the library moved to the Graham Community Building. In 1958, after generous contributions from Thomas J. Harrison, the Pryor Public Library found itself housed within the building we all know and love today.